Red Peanut Pattie Candy: A Nostalgic Sweet with a Vibrant Twist

There are certain candies that transport you instantly back to childhood – a whiff of sugar and roasted peanuts, and suddenly you’re a kid again, clutching a sticky coin of pure delight. For me, that candy is the classic peanut pattie. I remember a particularly disappointing attempt at recreating a peanut brittle that somehow morphed into a sad, brittle-like substance that was neither here nor there. It was so disheartening! This culinary misadventure sparked a determined quest to find a recipe that would truly capture the magic of those authentic peanut patties, the kind with a satisfying chew and a burst of sweet, nutty flavor. After much searching, I stumbled upon a gem from Taste of Home, shared by Evelyn, and I just knew I had to try it. The promise of a successful, homemade peanut pattie candy was too tempting to resist, and the following weekend was dedicated to this sweet pursuit. The anticipation was palpable, and I can’t wait to share the delightful results with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes
• Cook Time: Approximately 30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 12 patties
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

This recipe calls for simple, pantry-staple ingredients, making it accessible for any candy-making enthusiast. The key is in the proportions and the careful cooking process.

• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 2/3 cup Karo syrup (sometimes referred to as corn syrup)
• 1 cup rich milk or 1 cup canned evaporated milk (evaporated milk lends a richer, more stable texture to candies)
• 3 1/2 cups raw peanuts (While any raw peanuts will work, the recipe notes that the small, white varieties are considered the best if you can find them. These tend to have a delicate flavor and a pleasing texture.)
• 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted is generally preferred for candymaking to control salt levels, but salted will also work)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 drops red food coloring (This is what gives these patties their signature vibrant hue and distinguishes them from plain peanut candies)

Equipment Needed

For this sweet endeavor, you’ll want to have a few key pieces of equipment ready:

• A heavy-bottomed saucepan (at least 3-quart capacity) – this is crucial for even heating and preventing scorching.
• A wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula for stirring.
• A candy thermometer (highly recommended for achieving the correct soft-ball stage).
• A sturdy baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
• A tablespoon or small cookie scoop for portioning the patties.
• A cooling rack.

Instructions

Crafting these Red Peanut Pattie Candies is a journey into the heart of traditional candy making. The process requires patience and attention, especially when it comes to reaching the perfect temperature for that delightful chew.

1. Begin by combining the sugar, Karo syrup, and milk in your heavy-bottomed saucepan. Place this mixture over medium heat.
2. Mix well to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Add the raw peanuts to the saucepan. Continue to stir the mixture constantly.
4. Cook slowly, continuing to stir until a small amount of the mixture forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water. This is the critical “soft ball stage” for candy making. For accuracy, using a candy thermometer and aiming for 235-240°F (113-116°C) is highly recommended. This stage is what ensures the candy will have a pleasingly chewy texture rather than being brittle or hard.
5. Once the soft ball stage is reached, remove the saucepan from the heat.
6. Immediately stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
7. Continue to beat the mixture until it becomes creamy. This vigorous beating incorporates air and helps to create a smoother, lighter texture as the candy cools.
8. Carefully pour the mixture onto a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
9. Form into patties while the mixture is still warm and pliable. You can do this by dropping spoonfuls of the candy onto the lined baking sheet, or by gently spreading it into rough patty shapes. The recipe also suggests an alternative: you can pour the mixture into muffin tins lined with paper liners, filling them to about 1/4 inch thick to create patties with slightly thicker sides.
10. Allow the patties to cool completely on the baking sheet or in the muffin tins. This cooling process allows the candy to set and firm up.

This recipe was generously shared with me by a dear friend, Barbara Stearns, as part of a collection of cherished family recipes. She assured me these tasted just like the store-bought versions, and indeed, they do! Evelyn, who shared this on Taste of Home, noted that a candy thermometer is helpful for achieving the soft-ball stage, and I wholeheartedly agree. This recipe is meant to be enjoyed and shared, so feel free to pass it on!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Peanut Preparation: While raw peanuts are specified, you can lightly toast them beforehand for a deeper, nuttier flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool completely before adding them to the candy mixture.
• Milk Choice: Using canned evaporated milk is often preferred in candymaking as it has less water content than regular milk, which helps prevent crystallization and results in a smoother, richer candy. If using fresh milk, ensure it’s whole milk for the best fat content.
• Stirring is Key: Throughout the cooking process, constant stirring is paramount. This ensures even heat distribution, prevents the bottom from scorching, and helps achieve the desired candy consistency.
• Achieving the Soft Ball Stage: If you don’t have a candy thermometer, the cold water test is your best friend. Have a bowl of ice-cold water ready. Drop a small amount of the syrup into the water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball that flattens when you remove it from the water, you’ve hit the soft ball stage. If it dissolves or forms a hard ball, you’ve cooked it too long.
• Pattie Formation: Work quickly but carefully when forming the patties after removing the mixture from the heat. The candy will start to set as it cools. If it becomes too stiff to work with, you can very carefully warm it slightly over low heat to make it pliable again.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Red Peanut Pattie Candies are a delightful treat served at room temperature. They make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter, a cookie box, or simply enjoyed with a glass of cold milk.

For storage, allow the patties to cool completely before handling. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to two weeks, provided they are kept in a cool, dry place and not exposed to humidity, which can make them sticky. If you live in a very warm or humid climate, storing them in the refrigerator in an airtight container can help them maintain their texture, but be aware that condensation might form on them when brought back to room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 12 patties):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	474 kcal
Calories from Fat	205 kcal
Total Fat	22.7 g	34%
Saturated Fat	4.0 g	19%
Cholesterol	5.4 mg	1%
Sodium	24.8 mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	62.6 g	20%
Dietary Fiber	3.6 g	14%
Sugars	47.9 g	191%
Protein	11.7 g	23%

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe yields a classic red peanut pattie, feel free to explore some delightful variations:

• Nut Swaps: Experiment with other nuts! Roasted and salted almonds, cashews, or even pecans could offer a delightful twist. Ensure they are finely chopped or whole, depending on your preference.
• Color Play: Don’t be afraid to experiment with other food coloring colors! A vibrant green or a sunny yellow could be fun and festive for different occasions.
• Flavor Boost: A pinch of cinnamon or a touch of almond extract can add an extra layer of flavor complexity to the vanilla base.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, once the patties have cooled and set, you can drizzle them with melted dark or milk chocolate.

FAQs

Q: Why is my peanut pattie candy hard instead of chewy?
A: This usually happens when the candy is cooked past the soft ball stage. Ensure you are cooking to 235-240°F (113-116°C) or achieving a firm but pliable ball in cold water.

Q: Can I use salted peanuts in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use salted peanuts. The salt will add a pleasant counterpoint to the sweetness. If you use salted butter as well, you might want to reduce the added salt slightly if the recipe called for it (though this recipe doesn’t explicitly call for salt beyond what’s in the butter).

Q: My candy mixture looks grainy, what went wrong?
A: Graininess can occur if the sugar is not fully dissolved initially or if the candy is disturbed too much while cooking, leading to crystallization. Ensure you stir until the sugar is completely dissolved before bringing it to a boil, and avoid excessive stirring once it reaches temperature.

Q: How do I prevent the patties from sticking to the parchment paper?
A: Ensure the patties are fully cooled before attempting to peel them from the parchment paper. If they seem stubborn, you can gently warm the underside of the parchment paper with a hairdryer on a low setting to slightly soften the candy’s base.

Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: To make this recipe vegan, you would need to substitute the rich milk or evaporated milk with a plant-based milk alternative like full-fat coconut milk or cashew milk, and ensure the butter is replaced with a vegan butter substitute.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from creating homemade candy, especially when it’s a nostalgic favorite like these Red Peanut Pattie Candies. They are a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something truly special through a bit of patience and a touch of culinary magic. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and experience the joy of crafting these delightful treats in your own kitchen. Share them with loved ones, enjoy them with a cup of hot tea or a cold glass of milk, and savor the sweet memories they are sure to evoke. Happy candy making!